# Hashrate: the layer powering Bitcoin as a trillion dollar asset

Bitcoin miners serve as the backbone of the Bitcoin network, receiving Bitcoin rewards for validating transactions and maintaining the accuracy of the blockchain ledger. Bitcoin mining is the process of validating and securing transactions on the blockchain through the intensive use of computing power to solve complex cryptographic puzzles, during which new Bitcoins are minted and the accuracy of the blockchain ledger is maintained. (Read more in [our “Bitcoin Mining 101” article](https://www.prosper-fi.com/news/bitcoin-mining-101))

The Bitcoin mining industry is supported by a robust value chain underpinning proven economic output. The Bitcoin mining supply chain includes hardware suppliers such as semiconductor suppliers manufacturers and ASIC (Application-specific integrated circuit) chip designers (i.e., Bitmain, MicroBt, Canaan), alongside various service providers for mining operations including:

* Data center infrastructure - electricity, construction and telecom infrastructure providers
* Mining pool operations - Bitcoin blockchain network providers
* Market operations - exchanges, brokers, OTC trading desks and market makers

Bitcoin mining operators alone represent a large combined market value where the top 10 listed mining companies are worth a total of around $18 billion.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeTCGh75FNxINGCZAom-h33S19UkrzjrUfxUN1_YwTmN6NEt93Q6zI7wf-5pETGB87yr-WD544hIU0sGV1o1d7i-8_8RrxKXjHiVrAFwRcqgFA9qkRw32E2QlXHuv3WNih53Jd9-OXU2MFaV1It2lk-fzvA?key=lEBcF9TheTPWu-zlL6ozpw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

\[1] Bloomberg; as of 30 Aug 2024


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